---
title: "Manchester United can’t win titles with Michael Carrick, claims Jamie Carragher"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/08/17/jamie-carragher-michael-carrick-man-utd-manager-verdict/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Shumail Sajid"
section: "Man Utd News"
published: "2026-08-17T11:54:28Z"
modified: "2026-08-17T11:54:36Z"
---

# Manchester United can’t win titles with Michael Carrick, claims Jamie Carragher

**Jamie Carragher has questioned whether Michael Carrick has what it takes to lead Manchester United back to the very top, despite admitting the new permanent boss has done an excellent job since taking charge.**

Michael Carrick is now preparing for his first full season as United manager after signing a long-term contract. His spell in temporary charge transformed the mood around Old Trafford, with United securing Champions League football and finishing third in the Premier League.

Carragher believes that stability is exactly what United need right now. He isn’t convinced, though, that Carrick is the man who can eventually deliver the biggest trophies.

## Michael Carrick can bring stability to United

[Speaking on The Overlap](https://youtube.com/watch?v=8maXEE0aPkY&list=PLLrNtSjulTzI&index=3), Carragher stressed that United’s recent improvement shouldn’t be dismissed.

“I’m not saying it’s going to go wrong. What Manchester United have had for the last six months, need that for another 12 months of not being the circus, not being the story all the time, and Carrick brings you that.”

That lack of drama could be hugely important for [Manchester United](https://readmanutd.com/tag/manchester-united/). Under Carrick, the club have looked more settled, while the improvement on the pitch has been obvious.

Carragher believes another strong season could put United in a much healthier position, particularly if they can secure Champions League football again.

“With Carrick… there’s no circus around United,” Carragher added. “It feels very calm. He came in, calmed everything down, got Champions League football. The aim for Manchester United next season is to make sure they’re in the Champions League again.”

But the former Liverpool defender has doubts about what comes after that.

## Jamie Carragher doubts Carrick can win major trophies

Carragher’s biggest concern is whether Carrick has the quality as a manager to take United from being competitive again to actually winning the Premier League or Champions League.

“But has he got that stardust to win the biggest trophy? And I think you need to get to a strong position of being a proper Champions League club again.”

## Jamie Carragher doesn’t see Carrick for a long term

He went even further when discussing Carrick’s long-term ceiling.

“A player gets you to a certain level, then we need that stardust. I personally just don’t think Carrick’s got that stardust as a manager to win a Champions League or a Premier League.”

Carragher isn’t predicting a failure for Carrick. In fact, he thinks the former United midfielder could do enough this season to leave the club in a strong position.

“I don’t believe Michael Carrick will win the league or the Champions League with Manchester United, but he’s done a really good job. He could have a good season and put Manchester United in a position to then go and get a Champions League-winning manager.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean Carrick must be replaced even if he achieves another top-four finish.

Carragher believes United should assess where they stand at the end of the campaign and decide whether Carrick has earned the chance to continue or whether they need a manager capable of taking the final step.

“If United could get Champions League football again, that still doesn’t necessarily mean Michael Carrick should stay. But you want to be in a position… to maybe keep Carrick – if he’s done another good job – or you go and get that Champions League-winning manager, or that manager you think can take you to the next level. You need another season of Champions League football again.”

Manchester United are back in the Champions League, the atmosphere around the club will be electric and Michael Carrick would be hoping to prove Jamie Carragher wrong.